Above Ground versus In-ground Swimming Pools

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Do you want an in-ground pool with a small patio area, or an above-ground pool with a larger patio area and outdoor furniture?

When buying a house, you must decide what to do with your backyard. If you have a huge lot, a landscape designer, and millions of dollars, you’re all set, but if you don’t, you’ll have to make some choices. Do you want an in-ground pool with a small patio area, or an above-ground pool with a larger patio area and outdoor furniture? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of pools?

An above-ground pool offers several nice advantages, starting with cost. Generally, it cost ten times less than an in-ground pool. Also, installing one is not likely to raise your property taxes. In most cities, an above-ground pool is not considered a permanent structure. It’s also easier to clean and maintain because it tends to be smaller than an in-ground pool. Finally, it is safer. To prevent access, all you have to do is remove the pool ladder.

If you're concerned about the look, visit your local pool store to see the options available today. In the past, above-ground pools were characterized by a metallic look, but current models can be customized to suit your taste. Chances are you’ll be able to choose from several colors and liner patterns. You will probably be able to choose the type of material you’d like to have on the outside of your pool, too. Adding a wooden or aluminum deck is another way you can customize your pool and give it the look you want.

Above-ground pools are popular, but they're not for everyone. You might want an in-ground pool if you’re a serious swimmer or have a large backyard and don’t want the size restrictions of an above-ground pool.

An in-ground pool typically has a deep end of six feet, while an above-ground pool usually has a deep end of no more than four feet. A deeper pool means you can have a diving board, a slide, fancy lights, and waterfalls. You can swim laps more easily. In-ground pools come in a greater variety of attractive shapes than above-ground pools. You can even have one designed that fits the space of your yard and goes with the style of your house. A custom shape is generally not an option in above-ground pools.

As attractive as an in-ground pool can be, and as pleasant as it can be to take some laps after a hard day's work, it has some disadvantages. First, it is significantly more expensive than an above-ground pool. First, a trench must be dug and then a solid liner has to be installed. Maintenance is more expensive and more time consuming. In-ground pools are often larger than above-ground pools, and cleaning equipment and chemical testing kits are proportionately more expensive. It is more difficult to keep an in-ground pool free of debris. If you don't have the time to do it yourself, you may have the additional expense of hiring someone else to do it for you.

An in-ground pool may also negatively impact the resale value of your home. Many buyers are concerned with safety, especially if they have small children, and they won’t even look at a home with an in-ground pool. Putting a fence around the pool may be an option, but this may not satisfy a potential buyer. While an above-ground pool can be dismantled and hauled away, an in-ground pool has to be filled in, which is a much more difficult and expensive task.

Which option is right for you? Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each type of pool and consider the benefits that you and your family are looking for. Then, take a careful look at your backyard and you should know the answer.

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